Caterpillar serves all regions of the world so we build many different configurations of hydraulic excavators. Your Cat® dealer has exact machine specifications available in your area to help you choose what will best meet your needs.

324D L Hydraulic Excavator

The new 324D is a true performer with the versatility to be utilized in many different applications. The hydraulic system has been designed to provide reliability and outstanding controllability. An optional Tool Control System provides additional flexibility.

Dimensions

C7 with ACERT™ Technology

The Cat® C7 gives the 324D exceptional power and fuel efficiency unmatched in the industry for consistently high performance in all applications.

Cat C7

The Cat C7 with ACERT? Technology introduces a series of evolutionary, incremental improvements that provide breakthrough engine technology. The building blocks of ACERT Technology are fuel delivery, air management and electronic control. ACERT Technology optimizes engine performance while meeting U.S. EPA Tier 3 emission regulations.

ADEM? A4 Engine Controller Brian Rocks

The ADEM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per liter of fuel used. The engine management system provides flexible fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. It tracks engine and machine conditions while keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency.

Cooling System

The cooling fan is directly driven from the engine. An electrically controlled viscous clutch fan is available as an attachment to reduce fan noise. The optimum fan speed is calculated based on the target engine speed, coolant temperature, hydraulic oil temperature and actual fan speed. The Cat C7 delivered a completely new layout that separates the cooling system from the engine compartment.

Air Cleaner

The radial seal air filter features a double-layered filter core for more efficient filtration and is located in a compartment behind the cab. A warning is displayed on the monitor when dust accumulates above a preset level.

Noise Reduction Technologies

The engine mounts are rubber-isolating mounts matched with the engine package. Further noise reduction has been achieved through design changes to the isolated top cover, oil pan, multiple injection strategy, insulated timing cover, sculpted crankcase and gear train refinements.

Hydraulics

Cat® hydraulics deliver power and precise control to keep material moving.

Component Layout

The 324D hydraulic system and component locations have been designed to provide a high level of system efficiency. The main pumps, control valves and hydraulic tank are located close together to allow for shorter tubes and lines between components that reduce friction loss and pressure drops in the lines. The layout further provides greater operator comfort by placing the radiator on the cab side of the upper structure. This allows incoming air to enter the engine compartment from the operator side and hot air and corresponding engine sound to exit on the opposite side away from the operator. This reduces engine compartment heat and sound being transmitted to the operator.

Pilot System

The pilot pump is independent from the main pumps and controls the front linkage, swing and travel operations.

Hydraulic Cross Sensing System

The hydraulic cross sensing system utilizes each of two hydraulic pumps to 100 percent of engine power, under all operating conditions. This improves productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary valve is standard on the 324D. Control Circuits are available as attachments, allowing for operation of high and medium pressure tools such as shears, grapples, hammers, pulverizers, multi-processors and vibratory plate compactors.

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

Snubbers are located at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders to cushion shocks while reducing sound levels and extending component life.

Operator Comfort

Designed for comfort, simple and easy operation, the 324D allows the operator to focus on production.

Operator Station

The workstation is spacious, quiet and comfortable, assuring high productivity during a long work day. The air conditioner and attachment switches are conveniently located on the right-hand wall, and the key switch and throttle dial are on the right-hand console.

Monitor

The monitor is a full color 400x234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display. The monitor angle can be adjusted to minimize sun glare and has the capability of displaying information in twenty-seven different languages.

Standard Cab Equipment

Seat

A new optional air suspension seat is available in the 324D. The standard and optional seats provide a variety of adjustments to suit the operator’s size and weight including fore/aft, height and weight. Wide adjustable armrests and a retractable seat belt are also included.

Joystick Control

Joystick controls have low lever effort and are designed to match the operator’s natural wrist and arm position. The operator can operate joystick controls with an arm on the armrest and the horizontal and vertical strokes have been designed to reduce operator fatigue.

Hydraulic Activiation Control Lever

For added safety, this lever must be in the operate position to activate the machine control functions.

Automatic Climate Control

Fully automatic climate control adjusts temperature and flow, and determines which air outlet is best in each situation with a touch of a button.

Console

Cab Exterior

The exterior design uses thick steel tubing along the bottom perimeter of the cab, improving the resistance of fatigue and vibration. This design allows the FOGS to be bolted directly to the cab, at the factory or as an attachment later, enabling the machine to meet specifications and job site requirements.

Cab Mounts

The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous rubber cab mounts, which dampen vibrations and sound levels while enhancing operator comfort.

Windows

All glass is affixed directly to the cab for excellent visibility eliminating window frames. The upper front windshield opens, closes and stores on the roof above the operator with a one-touch action release system.

Wipers

Pillar-mounted wipers increase the operator’s viewing area and offer continuous and intermittent modes.

Skylight

An enlarged skylight with sunshade provides excellent visibility and ventilation.

Structures

324D structural components and undercarriage are the backbone of the machine's durability.

Robotic Welding

Up to 95 percent of the structural welds on a Caterpillar® Excavator are completed by robots. Robotic welds achieve over three times the penetration of manual welds.

Undercarriage

Booms, Sticks and Bucket Linkages

Built for Performance and long service life, Caterpillar® booms and sticks are large, welded, box-section structures with thick, multi-plate fabrications in high stress areas.

Reach Boom

The reach boom features an optimum design that maximizes digging envelopes with three stick choices:

Mass Excavation Boom

The mass excavation boom maximizes productivity. The mass version offers significantly higher digging forces and allows use of larger buckets.

Super Long Reach

This configuration offers reaches to over 60 feet. It is well suited for ditch cleaning applications.

Linkage Pins

The bucket linkage pins have been enlarged to improve reliability and durability. All the pins in the front linkages have thick chrome plating, giving them high wear and corrosion resistance.

Bucket Linkage

The power link improves durability, increases machine-lifting capability in key lifting positions and with the integrated lift-eye it is easier to use than compared to the previous power link.

Work Tools - Attachments

The 324D has an extensive selection of work tools to optimize machine performance.

Heavy Duty Buckets

Heavy-duty (HD) buckets are used for a wide range of moderately abrasive applications such as mixed dirt, clay and rock. HD buckets have best loading and dumping characteristics and will empty easier in cohesive material. More robust construction than the GP buckets.

General Purpose Capacity (GP-C) Buckets

General Purpose Capacity Buckets are best for digging in soft to hard ground with low to moderately abrasive materials.

Heavy-Duty Power (HDP) Buckets

For use in moderately abrasive applications where breakout force and cycle times are critical. Maximizes tip force and improves cycle times in most materials.

Heavy Duty Rock Buckets

Heavy duty rock for aggressive bucket loading in highly abrasive application such as shot rock and granite. Features include:

Thickest wear plates to extend the life of bucket in severe applications

Side wear plated extend further up the side of the bucket for maximum protection in rocky soils

Buckets accept sidebar protectors for best sidebar protection, or sidecutters for best fill characteristics and bucket wear protection

Ditch Cleaning (DC) Buckets

These wide shallow buckets are best for bank forming, ditch cleaning, and finishing.

Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET)

All bucket in the CB/DB Family utilize the Caterpillar K Series® GET. This GET system uses a vertical retainer that is easier to remove and install than the Cat J Series pin. The tip shapes are more aggressive and offer better penetration than the previous generation of tips. There are also a variety of side cutters and sidebar protectors to match operating conditions.

Cat Hydraulic Hammers are precisely matched to Cat machines for optimum performance in a wide variety of demolition and construction applications.

Cat thumbs multiply the capabilities of your excavator. This Highly versatile tool works in conjunction with the bucket to transform an excavator into a versatile material-handling machine.

Multi-processors do the work of many types of demolition tools by use of interchangeable jaw sets. Changing jaws allows a single unit to crush, pulverize and perform a variety of specialized cutting tasks, such as cutting steel rebar and tanks.

Versatility

A wide variety of optional factory-installed attachments are available to enhance performance and improve job site management.

Tool Control System

This system offers the most flexibility and versatility of the auxiliary options offered. This system is available in two configurations, as a stand-alone system or with a medium pressure circuit and third pump. This system is capable of running either one-way or two-way tools and one one-pump or two pump tools. The additional of the medium pressure circuit allows use of tools that rotate such as grapples, shears or multi-processors. Up to 10 different tool settings can be pre-programmed and selected through the monitor.

Auxiliary Hydraulics Options

There are four different options that can be factory installed to meet the various demands for hydra-mechanical tools. Single-Function, Double-Function, Tool Control System without Medium Pressure and Tool Control System with Medium Pressure are available as a factory installed option.

Machine Security

An optional Machine Security System is available from the factory on the 324D L. This system controls when the machine can be operated and utilizes specific keys to prevent unauthorized machine use, a significant theft deterrent.

Product Link

The machine is pre-wired to accept Product Link systems to be installed in the field. Product Link is also available as a factory installed attachment. Product Link can assist with Fleet Management that will keep track of hours, location, security and product health.

Increases versatility of the excavator by allowing the machine to pick up a wide variety of work tools without leaving the cab.

Caterpillar Scrap Shears feature 360 degree rotation and a high force-to-weight ratio. Used for demolishing steel structures, and preparing bulk scrap (such as cars, farm machinery and railroad cars) for further processing.

Service and Maintenance

Simplified service and maintenance features save you time and money.

Ground Level Service

The design and layout of the 324D was made with the service technician in mind. Many service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing critical maintenance to get done quickly and efficiently.

Air Filter Compartment

The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. When the air cleaner plugs, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen inside the cab.

Pump Compartment

A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump and pilot filter.

Radiator Compartment

The left rear service door allows easy access to the engine radiator, oil cooler and air-to-air-after-cooler. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance.

Greasing Points

A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations on the front.

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filter, a capsule filter, is situated outside the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps the operation clean.

Fan Guard

Engine radiator fan is completely enclosed by fine wire mesh, reducing the risk of an accident.

Anti-Skid Plate

Anti-skid plate covers top of storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance.

Diagnostics and Monitoring

The 324D is equipped with S•O•SSM sampling ports and hydraulic test ports for the hydraulic system, engine oil, and for coolant. A test connection for the Cat Electronic Technician (Cat ET) service tool is located in the cab.

Extended Service Interval

324D service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.

Machine Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan the best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your investment.